Brilliant Black Sand Beaches in the Caribbean

There is something exotic and sexy about black sand beaches – especially those that are on cool and breezy tropical islands. The sunny Caribbean destinations in this part of the world are well known for their white and pink sandy beaches. But do you know that there are several black sand beaches in the Caribbean that have memorable historic pasts?

Black sand beaches are primarily found on volcanic islands or islands with volcanoes in close proximity. Black sand largely consists of dark coloured volcanic rock, minerals and lava fragments. Previous lava flows that came into contact with the ocean would have turned into black fragments that settled on the ocean floor. Over time, these fragments were pulverised into a fine sand, which then formed or covered beaches around several Caribbean islands.

1. Saint Pierre Beach – Martinique

In 1902, the Mont Pelee volcano erupted and completed destroyed the city of St. Pierre in Martinique. The eruption killed all 30,000 people who were living in the path of the lava flow except for three, one of whom was a prisoner. Today, the historic black sand beach in Saint Pierre, is a gorgeous bay with a view of the Mont Pelee volcano sitting quietly in the background.

2. Woodlands Beach — Montserrat

When the Soufriere Hills volcano erupted in 1995, it destroyed most of Montserrat and displaced almost all of the island’s population. However, the remaining population has since rebuilt key areas of the island. Woodlands Beach is one of the black sand beaches on Montserrat that is an ever present reminder of the active volcano on the island.

3. Rosalie Beach – Dominica

With views of the majestic Atlantic Ocean, Rosalie Beach adjoins the Rosalie Bay River. Today, the beach is a popular turtle nesting ground and is home to the Rosalie Bay Beach Resort. This beach, along with the black sand beaches on the island, are subtle reminders of Dominica’s nine active volcanoes. The last eruption on Dominica was in the time of Columbus, and the most recent eruption was a steam eruption in 1997.

4. Well’s Bay – Saba

Courtesy of the Saba Tourist Bureau. Unauthorized use not permitted.

The Mount Scenery volcano looms large on the island of Saba and is a stark reminder of the last eruption back in 1640. As a result, the island’s main beach, Well’s Bay, is a small, black sand beach that is somewhat secluded. Access to this beach requires a short hike or drive down a rocky path.

5. Black Rocks – St Kitts

Courtesy of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority. Unauthorized use not permitted.

The story of the last eruption of the now dormant Mount Liamuiga volcano in St. Kitts has been passed down from generation to generation. The only visible memories lie on the Black Rocks beach, which is strewn with black lava rocks that are a true representation of the beach’s name. The beach lies on the Atlantic coast of St. Kitts and is surrounded by steep cliffs and rugged terrain.

6. Plage de Salée à Bananier – Guadeloupe

Courtesy of the Guadeloupe Islands Tourist Board. Unauthorized use not permitted.

Plage de Salée à Bananier, also known as Bananier Beach is one of the most stunning black sand beaches in the Caribbean. Located on the island of Guadeloupe, it is testimony to the active Soufriere Hills volcano which last erupted in the 1970s. The beach is tucked away in the small village of Bananier and is a popular surfing spot for children and adults.

7. Anse Chastanet Beach – St Lucia

Often dubbed as one of the most luxurious black sand beaches in the Caribbean, Anse Chastanat Beach in St. Lucia is home to the famed Anse Chastanet Resort. The beach is also known for excellent scuba diving and snorkelling. The last eruption of the La Soufriere Volcano, occurred in the 1800s and the volcano is now considered to be dormant.

8. Black Point Beach – St Vincent and the Grenadines

The history behind this stunning black sand beach in the Caribbean almost overshadows it. This beach is home to a historic park that contains the Black Point Tunnel, which was used for transporting sugar and sugar cane. For Caribbean jet setters, Black Point Beach was also featured in scenes in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies.

9. Black Bay Beach— Grenada

Black Bay Beach is one of Grenada’s well hidden treasures. To get to this black sand beach in the Caribbean requires a hike through the gorgeous landscape of Grenada. This beach is a reminder of the dormant St. Catherine Volcano, which is believed to have last erupted over 1,000 years ago. And, just off the coast of the island, lies the submarine volcano, Kick Em Jenny, which has been active in the last few years.

A visit to Martinique, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, Guadeloupe, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Grenada will reveal dark, sparkling sand that is an intriguing sight to see, and gives a nod to each island’s volcanic history. For more information on Caribbean volcanoes, please visit Caribbean Volcanoes.

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As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. EndlessCaribbean.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.